The Care Act

The Care Act 2014 sets out a clear legal framework for how local authorities and other parts of the system should protect adults at risk of abuse or neglect.

Local authorities have new safeguarding duties. They must:

lead a multi-agency local adult safeguarding system that seeks to prevent abuse and neglect and stop it quickly when it happens

make enquiries, or request others to make them, when they think an adult with care and support needs may be at risk of abuse or neglect and they need to find out what action may be needed

establish safeguarding adults boards, including the local authority, NHS and police, which will develop, share and implement a joint safeguarding strategy

carry out safeguarding adults reviews when someone with care and support needs dies as a result of neglect or abuse and there is a concern that the local authority or its partners could have done more to protect them

arrange for an independent advocate to represent and support a person who is the subject of a safeguarding enquiry or review, if required.

Any relevant person or organisation must provide information to safeguarding adults boards as requested.

Safeguarding adults boards need assurance that local safeguarding arrangements are in place as defined by the Care Act 2014 and statutory guidance.